MORE people than ever went along to the Warwick and Leamington Festival this week.

The 80 events attracted 25,000 people over 12 days at venues across the two towns.

Richard Phillips, Warwick Arts Society festival director, said there was so much on that even he could not get to see it all - events included eight world premieres and more than 50 works by living composers.

Mr Phillips said: ?Once again, Warwick and Leamington Festival has proved to be one of the most important events on the British Arts Festival calendar.

?Thousands of local people and visitors from outside the area enjoyed an exciting programme of music, theatre, dance, poetry, exhibitions, family events and street entertain-ment.?

Highlights included the summer concert and fireworks dis-play at Warwick Castle, Oddsocks Productions? version of Shakespeare?s Othello and a world music event with a 10-man choir from Zimbabwe and Japanese drummers.

Mr Phillips said: ?Given the number of events we packed in to this year?s programme it was impossible for me to see all that was on offer.

?However, my personal favourites were the Hanover Band with soprano Lynne Dawson, cellist Raphael Wallfisch performing with pianist John York, the Academy of St Martin-inthe-Fields at St Mary?s Church in Warwick and the two performances given by pianist Joanna McGregor.

?Although, given the immense variety of this year?s festival, I am sure others would have made very different choices.?

The festival also attracted record sponsorship with more than 40 local firms involved.

Mr Phillips added: ?We are extremely grateful for their support, without which we would not be able to attract top artists from around the world.